Readings for today: Deuteronomy 8-11
I love this set of verses from the Message paraphrase today, “So now Israel, what do you think God expects from you? Just this: Live in his presence in holy reverence, follow the road he sets out for you, love him, serve God, your God, with everything you have in you, obey the commandments and regulations of God that I’m commanding you today—live a good life.” (Deuteronomy 10:12-13 MSG) What a great message for Israel, for us, and all who would follow Christ!
“Live in His presence in holy reverence…” Treat God as holy. Honor God above every other commitment in your life. Put Him first by spending sacred, dedicated, intentional time with Him each day. Worship Him with His people each week. Humble yourself before Him by confessing your sin and offering your body as a living sacrifice.
“Follow the road He sets out for you…” Walk with open hands. Your life is not your own. Let God direct your steps. Hold your plans loosely. Never cling tightly to what you have or where you are in life. Let go and let God use you for His purposes and His glory. Be willing to risk it all for the sake of God’s kingdom.
“Love God…” Always remember God is more than your King. More than your Creator. More than your Judge. He is your Heavenly Father who loves you with an everlasting love and He chose you to be adopted as His daughter or son from before the foundations of the world. Love Him in return. Love Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Love Him with all that you are.
“Serve God, your God, with everything you have in you…” Don’t hold back. Make it your singular focus to wake up every day to serve your family, friends, church, and community in the name of Jesus. Lay down your life for those you love. Love even your enemies and bless those who may persecute and abuse you. Do not seek to be served but serve and give your life as a ransom for as many as possible just like Jesus.
“Obey the commandments and regulations of God…” God’s way is the best way to live. Really the only way to live. Fear Him and you will fear nothing else. Love Him and your ability to love others will deepen and grow to levels you never thought possible. Trust Him and you will find strength and wisdom and resources you never knew existed and your life will become a living testimony to His goodness and grace.
This, friends, is the very definition of the “good life” and it should shape the expectations of anyone who would seek to follow Christ in our world today.
Readings for tomorrow: Deuteronomy 12-15